Liquid fuel burning apparatus



Feb. 9, 1943. J. A. WILSON. ET Al.

LIQUID FUEL BURNING APPARATUS Filed Oct. l2, 1940 z/o/m A. Wilson aiiisvua W w 7 W 5 f l (F. Z e 5 5 5 2 .uw b j 7.

` Patented Feb. 9, 1943 LIQUID FUEL BURNING APPARATUS John A. Wilson and Noel H. Sutterfield, Detroit, Mich., assignors to The Timken-Detroit Axle Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation oi' Ohio Application October 12, 1940, Serial No. 360,994

17 Claims.

This invention relates to improved apparatus for pumping liquid and more particularly to improved means for distributing liquid fuel in oil burners of the wall flame type.

In the eld of liquid fuel combustion involving the use of oil burners, prior burners have proven satisfactory in domestic use when employed in houses of relatively large size requiring the use of large heating units and relatively large amounts of hot water. However, such units are too large for small homes. They are not economical for such use and are difcult to hold to the small fuel consumption required for economical operation. In the case of mechanical atomizing or pressure oilburners, for instance, it is diilicult to secure satisfactory operation at rates of less than 1.35 gallons per hour, which is far in excessof the amount of fuel normally required for a small house.

While the present wall flame burners offer a wide operation range of from 3 to 20 pounds of oil per hour, which is satisfactory for normal house heating purposes, the advent of heating units, particularly adapted for the heating of water for small homes, makes the burning of oil at still lower rates of consumption desirable. This problem is greatly increased by the fact that with these increasingly low oil rates it is extremely diicult to provide the steady distribution of fuel required for quiet and'efcient combustion. Any variation in oil flow is instantly reflected in a corresponding change in llame size. This causes noise, and adversely affects the efficiency of operation.

To better understand the problem, let us consider a burner operating on a fuel consumption rate of two pounds of oil per hour, which is the particular full capacity desired in this development. Two pounds of oil are roughly two pints in volume. In other words the problem is to distribute a pint of oil at a constant rate over a period of thirty minutes, evenly around the inner surface of the flame rim, without any momentary fluctuation andiwith the same flow at the end as at the beginning. This problem would be simplified if the answer lay in adjusting an oil line so that the oil dripped steadily from an open tube. However, in this case we were confronted with the further complications of having to lift the oil by means of a rotating head and then throw that oil .evenly around the periphery of the combustion chamber of the Wall flame burner. In other words, this oil must be spread evenly along the two foot length (for example in this case) of the metal flame rim, with all portions vreceiving exactly the same amount at all times.

Of necessity, the price range of these units must be commensurate with the price of the smaller homes for which they are designed. This is particularly true for water heaters of lower capacity requirements.

The present invention has for its major object, in meeting this problem of heating and domestic water supply for small homes, the provision of a novel liquid fuel lifting device particularly suitable for small heating units requiring from 1 to 10 pounds of oil per hour, although it is also usable on larger burners.

In adapting burners heretofore available to heating units of small capacity it was found Vthat while mechanical operation was satisfactory, the minimum fuel rate obtainable was in excess of the requirements, which resulted in a decrease in unit efficiency. This invention, making it possible to burn oil at rates heretofore unobtainable,

makes possible the construction of small heating units having efficiencies comparable to those of much larger units. l

In addition to the eicient and economical operation, this invention makes possible a simple design in which the use of costly electrical relays, electrical safety mechanisms and magnetic oil valves is eliminated, thus giving a lower initial cost, but retaining all of the advantages 0f the larger and more expensive burners.

A further object of this invention is to provide novel oil pumping and distributing mechanisms which are so constructed that only a minimum level of oil is necessary to be maintained in the supply reservoir, and the undesirable discharge and/or leakage of oil to the remaining parts of the mechanism, and the surging characteristic of prior constructions is eliminated.

The invention also aims to provide novel oil lifting devices which will trap the initial mass of oil which is lifted from the well when the device is started, and thereafter smoothly distribute it.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel fuel lifting and distributing assembly wherein the pulsation in the feeding of fuel characteristic of prior oil burners, particularly those of low capacity, is eliminated.

This application is a continuation-in-part of Wilson and Suttereld application Serial No. 227,556, filed August 30, 1938.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawing and from the appended claims.

Y In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a combined fuel lifting and distributing assembly for use in an oil burner of the rotary wall dame type, embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is aview similarto Figure 1, and illustrates a modification of the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate modifications of the liquidl flow control members of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure is a fragmental vertical sectional view showing a further modication of the assemblies of Figures 1 and 2;

lifting assembly of an oil burner of the rotary wall name type, adapted to be centrally located in a hearth and project fuel and air toward a ame rim structure, as shown, for instance, inl

Powers Patent No. 2,039,607, dated May 5, 1936. A motor casing I0, formed generally as a cup,

i. comprises an outer casing I I with an upstanding central wall or boss` I2 and a. cylindrical aperture I3 concentric with boss I2. Provided on the interior of annular wall II is a shoulder I4 forming a seat for the stator I5 of an electric motor, the connections to the motor being made through a conduit not shown. Casing II is cast ofrelatively heavy material, and the interior of the casting immediately above shoulder I4 and the exterior of the stator are machined as by grinding to provide a friction t therebetween. Motor casing I0 is preferably provided with one or more holes I6 in the bottom thereof for ventilation and for oil drainage in event of overow.

Annular wall I2 defines an oil well or chamber I1, the oil supply thereto being fed through a passage I8, and a pipe connection I9 from a conventional storage tank through a combination metering device, shut off valve, and constant level valve, not shown. The oil from passage I8 iiows into a, chamber 2l of slightly larger diameter than aperture I3. Aperture 2I is sealed by the lower end of a hollow upright bearing member 22, here formed of bronze. Bearing 22 is formed with a. ange 24 arranged to engage a shoulder 24a formed immediately above chamber 2I. Bearing member 22 is also formed with one or more arcuate notches 25 which permit the passage of oil from chamber 2I to oil well I1. desired, passage I8 may enter the chamber above flange 24, but We preferably employ the construction shown because arcuate notches 25 feed the oil mainly into the interior of the cone and tend to avoid pulsation or surges. I

Bearing member 22 has a. hollow portion 26 of substantially uniform diameter, and a second hollow portion 21 of .larger diameter which is threaded to receive a plug 28 provided with a `sealing washer 29, to seal the bottom of aperture I3 and to hold bearing member 22 in position. with its flange 24 rmly seating against shoulder Ifl 24a. Plug 28 is bored at 3| to receive a ,spring 32 arranged to resiliently support a bearing member 33 in line with hollow portion 28 of bearing member 22. Bearing 22 is preferably lubricated by the fuel oil entering well I1 from conduit I8 by means of a passage 24 formed in bearing member 22.

On its outer surface and adjacent its upper end, motor casing I0 is provided with a recessed portion generally indicated at 35, a series of apertures 36 being provided around the motor casing within the recessed portion to permit access of air to the burner. 'I'he amount of air admitted through the apertures is regulated by a metal band 31 having apertures in the motor casing, the degree of opening of the apertures being conveniently controlled by rotating the band about the motor casing to different positions. The band is preferably secured in position by a clamp bolt 38 secured to a pair of lugs 39, formed by bending the adjacent ends of band 31 outwardly.

The rotor of the fuel distributing and lifting unit includes a fan disc 4| having fan blades 4l secured to its under surface and a central boss 43 bored as at 44 and provided with a set screw 45. Guides 46 may be provided on the under side of the fan disc, the adjacent fan blades to receive the upper end of oil distributor tubes 41 and hold them in fixed relation-to the fan disc. A shaft 48 supports the fan unit and extends downwardly into hollow bearing member 22, the lower end of' the shaft being provided with an anti-friction bearing 49 adapted to rest upon thrust bearing 33. Bearing 49 is preferably formed by a ball in a recess in the end of shaft 48, the edge of the recess being peened in to prevent escape of the ball.

A distributor head 5I is fixed to shaft 48 at a point immediately below the fan, and is formed with a ange 52 provided with apertures to receive the lower ends of oil distributor tubes 41. Flange 52 at its outermost periphery is grooved as at 53 to receive the larger end of ,a-frustroconical fuel lifting member 54, the upper end of member 54 being crimped around the lower end of head 52 into groove 53.

Member 54 is tapered as it extends downwardly toward bearing member 22, and terminates at a point above the bottom of oil well' I1. By reason of its conica1 shape and its immersion into the oil maintained in the bottom of oil well I1, when the member 54 rotates, oil will be lifted upon the interior surface of member 54 under the iniiuence of centrifugal force, and be delivered out of distributor tubes 33, the necessary quantity of air for combustion being delivered at the same time by the fan.

To overcome the tendency of the oil to climb upwardly upon the outer periphery of member 54, a rib or flange 55 isprovided on it within oil well I1, which intercepts such oil and slings it against adjacent wall I2 of the oil chamber. Since wall I2 is stationary, the oil slung against this wall will have no further' tendency to climb and will flow back into the oil chamber. This arrangement insures against the passage of any oil over wall I2 to the part of the chamber housing the stator of the motor. Some distance from head 5I, conical member 54 is provided with a flange 56 to which is secured in depending relation the rotor element 51 of the electrical motor vfor driving the mechanism, the attachment bepole type, this motor having been found to be the most eiiicient in a unit of this character.

In the adaptation of the conical oil feed to oil burners of low capacity particularly, a condition of surging is set up inthe oil well during operation which results in irregular oil delivery. When a cone embodying none of the irn-I provements of this invention revolves, the oil, which is maintained at a level above the bottom of the cone by a constant level valve (not shown) is lifted on both the inside and the outside of the cone, as before pointed out. Centrifugal force, and also the pumping action of the discharge of air and oil through the rotating tubes causes the rise of the oil within the cone, and also creates a sub-atmospheric pressure with the cone, which is sealed at the lower end by the oil. Upon starting with the usual excess oil in the cone accumulated during the standing period, plus the action of centrifugal force and sub-atmospheric pressure, the oil surges out through discharge tubes 33, lowering the oil level ln the well to such an extent that it momentarily decreases or halts oil delivery. When the oil level rises again, the action tends to repeat, the rate of pulsation or changes in the oil level depending on a number of factors, including the rate of oil ow into the well.

It might be pointed out here that it might be proposed to overcome the surging tendency when an ordinary cone is used by opening up the cone head l, thus eliminating sub-atmospheric pressures; making the sides of the cone less steep; deepening the well; or placing the cone further down in the well. However, such solutions have been carefully investigated and do not produce nearly as satisfactory results and are complicated by space limitations.

The novel construction shown in Figure l eliminates surging or pulsation as follows. The bottom of cone 54 is provided with a ring 59, which is secured to the cone as by brazing, so as to be in eect integral with the cone proper. Ring 59 is preferably of an outside diameterto extend outwardly from the lower edge of the cone to a. point approximately in line with the outer edge of inger ring 55, the lower surface of ring 59 being substantially flush with the lower edge of the cone. This ring causes the oil to be swirled outwardly and upwardly like a whirlpool, the approximate oil level' about the side of well l1 when the device is in operation being illustrated at 6i. As previously pointed out, a sub-atmospheric pressure is developed inside the cone during operation, and ring 59 provides a better seal against air ingress than if the sharp edge of the cone alone were relied upon to seal it. Pulsations or surges are accordingly avoided and this results in maintaining a constant head of oil in the well, which insures steady oil flow during operation. The oil flows upwardly in the cone and is fed into tubes 61, from which it is thrown outwardly against the inner wall of the flame rim, where it is mixed excess discharge of oil creates an odorous smudge, particularly on a start when the unit is hot, due to the fact that the air adjustments are set for normal operation and the excess oil vaporizing on the hot surfaces causes incomplete combustion.

In this form of the invention the interior of the cone lift member isprovided with a liquid flow controlling wall which traps the initial slug of oil propelled upwardly when the burner is started,

and thereafter exerts a highly desirable controlling action upon the fiow. The wall may be formed in several different ways, but we preferably employ an annular member or washer B3, which is clamped in place between cone head 5| and the cone during assembly. along with a sealing ring 6d, and if desired they may be all brazed together to form a unitary structure.

Member 63 has an internal diameter larger than the internal diameter of the lower end of the cone, so that when the burner is started the initial body of oil lifted in the cone is trapped or dammed below member 63, and the ignition system is given an opportunity to heat up. As soon as suiiicient oil has been lifted to fill the space below member 63, the oil smoothly overnows around 360 and feeds into tubes 41, from wherever it is discharged as previously set forth. The fuel level below the ring is indicated by the lines B0 in Figure 2. Ring 63 accordingly delays initial discharge, and thereafter steadies or stabilizes the discharge, much in the same manner as a dam in a river serves to maintain and stabilize the flow of water.

Chamber I'la is slightly different from the chamber of Figure 1 because it is rounded out to avoid a shoulder. Also, ring 59a is of flanged form and is thinner than ring 59, but it functions in the same manner, namely, to increase the head of oil on the interior of the cone during operation. In this form of the invention we have also shown a bushing 65 interposed between bearing member 22 and shaft 188 for decreasing friction and increasing the life of the parts.

It is to be understood that, although member B3 has been illustrated as separate from the cone and head 5I, it may, if desired, be made integral with either of them, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also, it is not necessary that wall 63 be located at the top of the cone, but may be disposed at some point between the top and bottom, and the appended claims are intended to embrace this invention when it assumes these equivalent forms. In any event the dam is preferably of sufficient capacity to trap substantially all of the available oil in the Well at the time of starting.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate modifications of the ring 63 of Figure 2. The ring 63a, shown in Figure 3, comprises an annulus of metal having an inside diameter slightly greater than the upper end of bearing member 22, and having a plurality of openings 61, the position, number and size of which depend upon the amount of oil which it is desired to be delivered to the tubes 41, and the amount of oil in the well during the period the burner is not in operation. The ring 63h, shown in Figure 4, is substantially the same as that of Figure 3, except that it embodies triangular or delta shaped apertures 68, each having a base or one side on the inside diameter of the ring, instead of the circular apertures of the ring shown inFigure 3.

These rings function to preventthe initial slug of oil from being discharged as a mass into tubes 41, and also stabilize the flow by subdividing the flow into controlled, localized streams. Since the internal diameter of rings 53a and 63h is smaller than that of the lower end of the cone, the lifted oil cannot overiiow the inner edge as in the construction shown in Figure 2. and the controlling action upon the initial slug of oil is brought about through the restricting action of openings 61 and 68 upon the body of oil impounded below the rings in each instance.

In Figure 5 a modified arrangement is shown which has also proven satisfactory. In this instance, the well is formed with a stepped portion 1|, preferably formed integral with annular wall I2, and'extending entirely around the inner surface thereof. A relatively thin washer 12 is secured to the upper surface of step 1| in effect forming a false bottom in the well, the washer being of less inside diameter than the step and having its upper surface immediately adjacent the lower edge of cone 54. 'I'his arrangement has been found to be particularly satisfactory, when the run-out or eccentricity of the cone is held fairly close. As will be noted, the arrangement shown prevents any large amount of oil from starting up the outside of the cone. Therefore a steady head is maintained on the oil which causes it to be fed steadily into the interior of the cone. If desired, the cone may be provided with a ring 63, 63a or 63h for controlling the upward ow of the oil.

Figure 46 illustrates still a further modication of the arrangement of Figure 1, wherein the cone structure is employed without any ring or any attached element. In this arrangement, a ring or bushing 13 is provided about the bottom of the well adjacent the inner periphery thereof, it being understood that the ring may be formed integral with annular wall i2 or otherwise secured thereto if desired. Ring 13 is preferably of a height to extend slightly above the lower edge of the cone. In this arrangement, by reason of the size and shape of the ring, the tendency of the oil to flow upwardly on the outside of cone 54 is reduced. Consequently, the head of oil remains substantially constant and a smooth even feed with an absence of pulsation is secured. It is also to be understood that, if desired, a ring 63, 63a or 63h may be employed in the interior of the cone, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

As previously pointed out, the means for damming the oil may assume various forms, and in Figure '1 there iis shown a still further form of dam construction of the invention. In Figure '1 lift member 54 is secured directly to head 5| as in Figure 1, and the damming action is provided by'means. of a disc 15 pressed into each of the vopenings inhead 5| for tubes 41, and each having a restricted orifice 16. f

Since orifices 1 6 are located inwardly of the lower ends of tubes 41, and are of smaller diameterI members 1 5 will impound a quantity of oil when the device is started, and thereafter orices 16 will feed the oil at a controlled rate to tubes 41, somewhat in the manner of ring 63a of Figure 3.

If desired, restricted orifices 16a may be provided by spinning over the lower end of tubes 41 at 11, as shown in Figure 8. Also, the orifices 16 and 16a may be disposed off-center with respect to tubes 41 so as to increase or decrease the amount of oil that will be impounded, depending upon the characteristics desired in the particular installation.

'The invention may be embodied in other specic forms without departingfrom. the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the

scope of the invention being indicated by the ap' pended claims rather than by the foregoing de scription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

l. In a liquid fuel lifting and projecting device, a liquid fuel reservoir adapted to have liquid fuel maintained at a substantially constant level therein; a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having its lower end immersed in the liquid fuel rin said reservoir and having discharge means adjacent its upper end; means for rotating said structure; means on the interior of said structure for lifting .fuel from said reservoir; and liquid flow impeding means, located in the path of upward travel ofthe lifted fuel, for causing a substantial quan- Ytlty of fuel to accumulate as an annular body at ervoir and having discharge meansv adjacent its upper end; means for rotating said structure; means on the interior of said structure for lifting fuel from saiid reservoir; and means, located in the path of upward travel of the lifting fuel towards said discharge means, for causing a quantity of fuel to accumulate at a predetermined region of said structure, for controlling the iiow of liquid upwardly in said structure, comprising an imperforate annular wall having an internal diametergreater than the internal di ameter of the lower end of said structure.

3. In a liquid fuel lifting and projecting device, a liquid fuel reservoir adapted to have liquid fuel maintained at a substantially constant level therein; a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having its lower end immersed in the liquid fuel in said reservoir and having discharge means adjacent the upper end thereof; means for rotating said structure; means on the interior of said structure for lifting fuel from said reservoir; and means, located in the path of upward travel of the lifted fuel, for causing a quantity of fuel to accumulate at a predetermined region of said structure, for controlling the ow of liquid upwardly in said structure toward said discharge means, comprising a substantially annularA wall having an internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the lower end of said structure and having passages through which a controlled flow of liquid fuel may occur.

4. 'I'he device defined in claim 3, wherein said t -top for said reservoir,

tially vertical axis and having its lower end im- Y mersed in said liquid and having discharge means adjacentits upper end; said structure having a frustro-conical internal surface operable to propel liquid upwardly when said structure is rotated; and an inwardly projecting annular wall associated with said frustro-conical surface for causing liquid to accumulate at a predetermined level in said structure and flow over the inner edge of said wall towards said discharge means at a controlled rate of speed.

6. In a liquid lifting and projecting device, a reservoir containing liquid to be lifted; a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having its lower end immersed in said liquid and having discharge means adjacent its upper end; said structure having la frustro-conical internal surface operable to propel liquid upwardly when said structure is rotated; and an annular wall located at the upper 'end of said frustro-conical surface, said wall having an internal diameter less than the internal diameter of the upper end of said frustro-conical surface but greater than the internal diameter of the lower end of said frustreconicalsurface, for causing liquid to accumulate at a predetermined level in said structure and flow over the inner edge of said wall at a controlled rate of feed towards said discharge means.

7. In a liquid lifting and projecting device, a reservoir containing liquid to be lifted; a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having its lower end immersed in said liquid; said structure having an upper section containing liquid distributing means, and a lower section having a frustreconical internal surface operable to propel liquid upwardly when said structure is rotated; and means secured between said sections for exerting an impeding action upon said liquid as it is lifted upwardly in said structure, for causing a substantial quantity of liquid to accumulate at a predetermined level in said structure and flow at a controlled rate of feed toward said liquid distributing means.

8. In a liquid lifting and projecting mechanism, an upright cylindrical reservoir of stepped construction having an upwardly directed annular surface of larger external diameter than the lower portion of said reservoir, said reservoir being normally adapted to have a body of liquid maintained therein at a sufficiently high level to continuously ood said annular surface; and a liquid lifting structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having its lower end immersed in the liquid in said reservoir comprising a frustro-conical member hav- I ing a thin annular edge disposed slightly below said annular surface and fitting closely within, the inner margin thereof.

9. In a liquid lifting and projecting mechanism, an upright cylindrical reservoir; an annular member in said reservoir and spaced from the bottom thereof to provide a restricted open said reservoir being adapted to have a body of liquid maintained therein at a sufficiently high level to continuously flood the upper surface of said annular member; and a hollow frustro-conical structrre mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having an open bottom immersed in the liquid in said reservoir and disposed in close proximity to the upper surface of said annular member, said annular member extending inwardly of the sides of said structure, so as to direct liquid into the open bottom thereof.

10. In a liquid lifting and projecting mechanism, an upright cylindrical reservoir; a bushing seated in said reservoir and having an upwardly directed annular surface, said reservoir being adapted to have a body of liquid ymaintained therein at a sufficiently high level to continuously iiood said annular surface; and a hollow frustro-conical structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having its lower end immersed in the liquid in said reservoir and projecting a predetermined distance into said bushing, so as to lie below said annular surface.

1l. A fuel lifting and projecting assembly cornprising a cup-like casing having the stator of a motor therein and including a plurality of upright stationary walls concentrically spaced to form an annular chamber; a hollow bearing member within the innermost wall forming a second annular chamber therewith; a rotor; -a complementary bearing member on said rotor projecting into said first bearing member; an armature on said rotor disposed in said first chamber; fuel lifting means on said rotor comprising a hollow frustro-conical member projecting into said second annular chamber; means to supply oil to said second annular chamber to Contact said fuel lifting means, the smaller end being in contact with oil, whereby rotation of said rotor causes oil to lflow upward through said conical member; and means in said second annular chamber to maintain the head of oil approximately constant during the rotation of said rotor to prevent pulsation, comprising a stationary annular wall adapted to be immersed in the oil and located substantially in the plane of the lower edge of said frustro-conical member.

12. In a liquid fuel lifting and projecting device, a liquid fuel reservoir; means for feeding liquid fuel to said reservoir; a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having its lower end immersed in the liquid fuel in said reservoir. and having fuel distributing passages at its upper end; means for rotating said structure; means on the interior of said structure for lifting liquid fuel when it is rotated; and means for partially restricting the flow of liquid through the lower portions of said passages, for exerting a controlling action upon the flow of fuel upwardly in said structure.

13. In a liquid fuel lifting and projecting device, a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and terminating at its lower end in an annular wall and having liquid discharge means adjacent its upper end; means, including a reservoir, for maintaining a body of liquid around the lower edge of said wall; means for rotating said structure; a frustro-conical surface on the interior of said structure for lifting liquid from said reservoir and propelling it toward said discharge means when said structure is rotated; and an annulus in said reservoir, said annulus, the annular wall on the lower end of said structure, and the level of said liquid being in substantially the same horizontal plane when said structure is rotating.

14. In a liquid fuel lifting and projecting de- Vice, a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and terminating at its lower end in an annular wall and having liquid distributing means adjacent its upper end; means, including a reservoir for maintaining a body of liquid around the lower end of said wall; means for rotating said structure; a frustro-conical surface on the interior of said structure for lifting liquid from said reservoir and propelling it toward said liquid distributing means when said structure is rotated; and an annulus in said reservoir located on substantially the same horizontal plane as said annular wall on the lower end of said structure, and immersed below the level of the liquid when said structure is not rotating.

15. In a liquid fuel lifting and projecting device, a hollow structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and terminat' ing at its lower end in an annular wall and having liquid distributing means adjacent its upper end; means, including a reservoir, for maintaining a body of liquid around the lower end of said fuel, and said control means comprises a ring secured to the lower portion of .said rotating structure and having a substantially radially directed ange end thereon, the lower surface o! said flange being disposed closely adjacent said frustro-conical surfaceL and adaptedto contact the liquid in said reservoir when said hollow structure is rotating.

1'?.` In a liquid lifting and projecting device, a

reservoir containing lliquid to be lifted; a hollow' structure mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having a frustro-conical internal surface adapted to be immersed to a predetermined degree in said liquid and also having liquid discharge means adjacent its upper end; meansfor rotating said structure for lifting fuel from said reservoir and propelling, it toward said discharge means; said structure also having an annular substantially radially directed external wall closely adjacent its lower end adapted to contact the liquid when the structure is rotating for preventing fluctuations in the head of liquid within said structure, and having an internal annular wall in the path of upward now of liquid for accumulating liquid at a predetermined level in said structure and stabilizing the ilow oi lifted liquid to said discharge means.

JOHN A. WILSON.

NOEL H. SU'ITERFIELD. 

